Students at IU gathered in front of the university's administrative building, demanding a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of a fellow student. Photo: BSS

ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, Kushtia, July 19, 2025 (BSS)- Students of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia staged a massive protest on the campus today, demanding proper investigation into the mysterious death of a fellow student Sajid Abdullah.

Thousands of students gathered in front of the university's administrative building around 11 am, chanting slogans against the authorities and demanding justice.

Later, a gayebana janaza was held for Sajid Abdullah at the university football ground. Following the prayer, students brought out a procession and reassembled in front of the administration building.

Mystery shrouded over the death whether it was an accident or a case of murder. 

Students also alleged longstanding inertia of the administration to ensure safety of the students on the campus. 

The body of Sajid was found in a pond adjacent to Shah Azizur Rahman Hall around 5pm Thursday afternoon. It took nearly 45 minutes to recover the body after reporting to the authorities, student claimed.

Students further said they had to take the body to the medical centre under their own arrangement as they didn’t get any ambulance or medical support.

They also alleged that in lack of functional CCTV cameras at key campus locations, the last movement of Sajid could not be known.

Students placed a six-point demand to the authorities. The demands are- a complete and transparent investigation into Sajid's death, installation and activation of CCTV cameras around the campus, full monitoring of the students’ entry and exit in the residential halls, construction of a secure boundary wall around the campus, installation and activation of adequate street lights and strong control over the entry of outsiders.

Student organizations including Students against anti-discrimination (SAD), Chhatro Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Islami Chhatra Andolon and other active organisations expressed solidarity with the protest.

Meanwhile the university administration and the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall authorities formed separate committees to investigate the incident.